People expecting interest rates to rise, finds Lloyds TSB

02 February 2005

Despite the Bank of England holding interest rates at 4.75 per cent since August, more people than not are expecting rates to rise again.

Lloyds TSB has said 51 per cent of people expect rates to rise, although this is fewer than last month.

The survey also found that over three quarters (77 per cent) of the population felt as secure, or more secure, in their jobs than they did a year ago.

"These results are consistent with the faster rate of economic growth seen in the final quarter of last year (up by 0.7 per cent from 0.5 per cent in quarter three) and a renewed tightening in the UK labour market," said Douglas Reid of Lloyds TSB.

"Our analysis shows that employment is a key driver of consumer confidence and spending and is also related to strong earnings growth, another key determinant of activity.

"This means that the recent acceleration in average earnings growth could still have further to go, adding to the risk of wider inflationary pressures."